Permanent ash receptacle



P 66 J. M. CALIOUETTE 3,273,569

PERMANENT ASH RECEPTAGLE Filed May 7, 1964 INVENTOR. [W55 M CAL/006775 A77 ENE) United States Patent 3,273,569 PERMANENT ASH RECEPTACLE James M. Caliouette, 13862 Ponderosa, Apt. G, Santa Ana, Calif. Filed May 7, 1964, Ser. No. 365,653 3 Claims. (Cl. 1312.41)

The present invention relates generally to an ash receptacle, and more particularly to ashtrays and the like which are permanently secured in place.

Many public facilities, notably public restrooms and the like, are difficult to maintain in clean and orderly condition due to the habits of the people who frequent such places. Most prominent among the disagreeable conditions of such places is the failure of people to properly discard their cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products. That is, many public places, particularly public restrooms, become unclean and slovenly in appearance due to people discarding their used cigarettes and cigars on the floor or in other locations not intended for such purposes.

To combat such uncleanliness, owners of public places frequently install receptacles or ashtrays wherein such materials can be deposited. However, such receptacles or trays are frequently taken, inadvertently or otherwise, from the premises so that subsequent users of the facilities revert to throwing their discarded tobacco products on the floor or in other inappropriate locations. Thus, it has been found desirable to have an ash receptacle which can be permanently fixed to the premises so that the same cannot be removed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an ash receptacle which can be permanently attached to the premises.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ash receptacle as characterized above which can be located substantially as desired to make it convenient for the users thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ash receptacle as characterized above wherein an ashtray is pivotally secured to a bracket so that such tray may be inverted for easy removal of the contents thereof.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an ash receptacle having a bracket which can be firmly and permanently secured to the premises and wherein an ashtray is pivotally mounted in such a manner that the normal gravitational forces maintain such tray in its ashreceiving position.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an ash receptacle as characterized above which is formed of plastic or other synthetic materials by mass-production methods.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an ash receptacle as characterized above which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and which is rugged and dependable in operation.

The novel features which I consider characteristic of my invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The device itself, however, both as to its organization and mode of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a public restroom wherein is mounted an ash receptacle according to the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the receptacle of FIGURE 1, taken substantially along line 2-2;

FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view of such receptacle;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view of the receptacle showing the several positions of the tray; and

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of the pivotal connection between the tray and bracket, taken substantially along line 55 of FIGURE 3.

Like reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, there is shown therein a lavatory 10 which may be part of a public restroom. Suitable conduit means 12 is utilized for supplying water to such lavatory.

Mounted above the lavatory 10 is an ash receptacle 14 according to the present invention. Although the subject ash receptacle is particularly desirable in public restrooms and the like, it is realized that the subject invention also has application in other environments. However, in order to more clearly point out the distinguishing structural and operational features of the present invention, the ash receptacle 14 has been shown associated with the lavatory 10.

As shown most clearly in FIGURE 3, the ash receptacle 14 comprises a bracket 16 formed with mounting means 16a at one end and bifurcated support means 1611 at the other end provided by a pair of arcuate arms 16c and 16d.

The bracket 16 is formed of a pair of substantially identical bracket members 18 and 20 which are oppositely disposed, as shown in FIGURE 3. Each such bracket member is formed with a semicircular mounting portion as shown at 18a and 20a respectively, and an arcuately shaped arm 18b and 20b respectively. Such bracket members are so positioned that the arms 18b and 20b form a generally U-shape and configuration as shown in FIGURE 3. The semicircular mounting portions 181: and 20a cooperate to provide a cylindrical opening for receiving a pipe 22 or like stationary object as will hereinafter become more apparent.

The several bracket members 18 and 20 are held together by any appropriate fastening means as shown at 24. To combat pilferage or inadvertent removal of the receptacle 14 from the premises, it has been found desirable to employ bolts 24a and nuts 24b which cooperate to secure the bracket 16 to the pipe 22.. After bracket 16 is thus positioned, it is recommended that the ends of bolts 24a which extend through the nuts 24b, upturned or deformed so as to prevent subsequent separation of such nuts and bolts.

It is realized that various other types of fastening devices are available which are tamperproof. Such fastening means, of course, may be used in place of the means shown in the drawings, the only requirement being that the bracket 16 be firmly secured to the pipe 22 or other stationary object.

The ends and 20c of bracket members 18 and 20 respectively, are pivotally secured to an ash receiving tray 26. Such tray, as shown most clearly in FIGURE 4, is formed with a relatively deep cup-shaped ash receiving portion 26a and an annular flange portion 26b. The unusually large depth of the ash receiving portion 26a causes the center of gravity of the tray 26 to be relatively low. This, as will hereinafter become more apparent, is desirable to maintain the tray in its normal ash receiving position.

Subjacent the annular flange 2615, the tray 26 is formed with mounting means 260 having a pair of substantially parallel side walls 26d on opposite sides of the ash receiving portion 26a. Also, such mounting means 26c is so formed as to provide a pair of openings 26a which, as will hereinafter become more apparent, afford access for assemblying the tray 26 to the bracket 16.

The ends 180 and 200 of the bracket members 18 and 20 are individually positioned adjacent and parallel to one of the side walls 26d, on opposite sides of the ash receiving portion 26a as shown most clearly in FIGURE 3.

A pivot pin 28 having a head 28a is inserted in aligned member 20 and the side wall 26d adjacent thereto.

openings in end 180 of bracket member 18 and the wall 276d adjacent thereto. As shown in FIGURE 5, a washer 32 may be interposed between the head 28a and the end 18c of bracket member 18. A locking device 34 of any appropriate, permanent design may be employed on the end of pivot pin 28. In this regard, it has been found desirable to employ a sheet metal gripper '34 having rearwardly extending projections 34a which dig into the pin 28 to prevent disassembly.

In like manner, a pin 36 having a head 36a extends through suitable aligned openings in end 20c of bracket A washer 40 and locking device 42 are employed for completing the pivotal mounting of tray 26 on bracket 16.

As shown most clearly in FIGURES 2 and 4, the periphal edge of the top surface of flange 26b may be formed with depressions as shown at 44 for receiving and retaining lighted cigarettes and cigars.

In use, as above explained, the bracket 16 is firmly secured to any stationary member by any desired tamperproof fastening means. With the bracket 16 thus rigidly positioned in a horizontal manner, the tray 26 is positioned as shown in solid lines in FIGURE 4 rfor receiving ashes and the like. It should be particularly noted that the structure as described above causes the pivotal axis for tray 26 to be removed a considerable distance horizontal from the central axis of center of gravity of tray 26. As a result, the force of gravity maintains the tray 26 in its ash receiving position with the annular flange 26b thereof resting against or abutting the bracket 16.

When it is desired to empty the tray 26, it is merely necessary to pivot the tray 26 about the pivot pins 28 and 36. Although two pivot pins have been shown in the embodiment for the illustration of the present invention, it is realized that a single pivot pin could be employed for pivo-tally interconnecting the several bracket members 18 and 20 and the mounting portion 260 of the tray 26.

In any event, the tray 26 is pivoted to the dotted line position shown in FIGURE 4, the contents of the tray thereby being caused to fall into a collection device (not shown). The generally U-shaped configuration of the ash receiving portion 26a of tray 26 permits the latter to be pivoted from its position within the bracket members 18 and 20 without interfering with the bracket "16.

It is contemplated that the tray 26 may be formed of any appropriate plastic or a synthetic material and the brackets may be formed of any material such :as sheet metal, and the like, which is strong enough to afford the necessary support.

It is thus seen that the present invention provides an ash receptacle which can be permanently secured in place and which is substantially tamperproof. Further, the subject tray is of such construction that it cannot be pilfered or inadvertently removed from a given location. All of these advantages, it will be noted, are attained without sacrificing any of the desired utility.

Although I have shown and described certain specific embodiments of my invention, I am fully aware that many modifications thereof are possible. My invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except insofar as is necessitated by the prior art and by the spirit of the appended claims.

I claim:

.1. A cigar and cigarette ash receptacle comprising in combination, a cantilever bracket having an end portion provided with attachment means to secure said bracket to a stationary member and an opposite end portion comprising a pair of oppositely disposed generally arcuate arms having substantially parallel end portions and torming a generally U-shaped horizontal bracket portion, an ash receiving tray formed with a relatively deep cupshaped ash receiving portion providing a relatively low center of gravity for said tray and an annular flange at the upper end thereof, and means mounting said tray on said bracket comprising at least one pivot pin intersecting the substantially parallel end portions of said arms and said tray subjacent said annular flange and spaced from the vertical axis comprising said center of gravity on the opposite side thereof from said attachment means thereby requiring the portion of said annular flange nearest said attachment means to rest on said bracket portion to dispose said ash receiving portion upwardly, said ash receiving portion being of such size as to pass through said bracket portion upon pivoting of said tray on said bracket to inverted position wherein said flange on said tray engages the underside of said bracket portion to retain said tray in such inverted position.

2. A cigar and cigarette ash receptacle comprising in combination, a cantilever bracket having an end portion provided with attachment means to secure said bracket to a stationary member and an opposite end portion comprising a pair of oppositely disposed generally arcuate arms having substantially parallel end portions and forming a generally U-shaped horizontal bracket portion, an ash receiving tray formed with a relatively deep cupshaped ash receiving portion providing a relatively low center of gravity for said tray and an annular flange at the upper end thereof, said tray also being formed with a pair of oppositely disposed mounting surfaces immediately beneath said flange, and means mounting said tray on said bracket comprising a pivot pin for each mounting surface of said tray pivotally connecting the respective mounting surface to the substantially parallel end portion of a separate one of said arms immediately beneath said annular flange and spaced from the vertical axis comprising said center of gravity on the opposite side thereof from said attachment means thereby requiring the portion of said annular flange nearest said attachment means to rest on said bracket portion to dispose said ash receiving portion upwardly, said deep ash receiving portion being of such size as to pass through said bracket portion upon pivoting of said tray on said bracket to inverted po sition wherein said flange on said tray engages the underside of said bracket portion to retain said tray in such inverted position.

3. A cigar and cigarette ash receptacle according to claim 2 wherein the upper surface of said flange is formed with depressions for receiving and retaining cigars and cigarettes.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 587,912 8/ 1897 Atwood 248229 777,425 12/1904 Langstafl 222 l66 1,3 1 1,6 28 7/ 1919 Walsh 248-313 1,408,970 3/1922 Ayer 220--l 2,950,836 8/1960 Murdock 220-1 3,111,128 11/1963 Yard 22018 3,155,284 11/1964 Forman et a1. 222166 THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner.

GEORGE E. LOWRANCE, R. A. JENSEN,

Assistant Examiners. 

1. A CIGAR AND CIGARETTE ASH RECEPTACLE COMPRISING IN COMBINATION, A CANTILEVER BRACKET HAVING AN END PORTION PROVIDED WITH ATTACHMENT MEANS TO SECURE SAID BRACKET TO STATIONARY MEMBER AND AN OPPOSITE END PORTION COMPRISING A PAIR OF OPPOSITELY DISPOSED GENERALLY ARCUATE ARMS HAVING SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL END PORTIONS AND FORMING A GENERALLY U-SHAPED HORIZONTAL BRACKET PORTION, AN ASH RECEIVING TRAY FORMED WITH A RELATIVELY DEEP CUPSHAPED ASH RECEIVING PORTION PROVIDING A RELATIVELY LOW CENTER OF GRAVITY FOR SAID TRAY ANDAN ANNULAR FLANGE AT THE UPPER END THEREOF, AND MEANS MOUNTING SAID TRAY ON SAID BRACKET COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE PIVOT PIN INTERSECTING THE SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL END PORTIONS OF SAID ARMS AND SAID TRAY SUBJACENT SAID ANNULAR FLANGE AND SPACED FROM THE VERTICAL AXIS COMPRISING SAID CENTER OF GRAVITY ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE THEREOF FROM SAID ATTACHMENT MEANS THEREBY REQUIRING THE PORTION OF SAID ANNULAR FLANGE NEAREST SAID ATTACHMENT MEANS TO REST ON SAID BRACKET PORTION TO DISPOSE SAID ASH RECEIVING PORTION UPWARDLY, SAID ASH RECEIVING PORTION BEING OF SUCH SIZE AS TO PASS THROUGH SAID BRACKET PORTION UPON PIVOTING OF SAID TRAY ON SAID BRACKET TO INVERTED POSITION WHEREIN SAID FLANGE ON SAID TRAY ENGAGES THE UNDERSIDE OF SAID BRACKET PORTION TO RETAIN SAID TRAY IN SUCH INVERTED POSITION. 